How To Ride Guide

How to Get a Schedule

Bus Schedules are available on all route buses and at hundreds of locations through the Capital Region, such as libraries, museums, government offices, bank branches and shopping centers. Price Chopper supermarkets carry them too.

Call the Customer Information Center (518) 482-8822 to have one mailed to you or go the schedule page

How to Ride

Choosing Your Route

A route number and name, indicating the destination area, are listed on the cover of each bus schedule. These correspond to the information on the large sign above the windshield on every CDTA bus. A bus schedule tells you when and where a bus travels. Bus schedules are divided into sections for weekdays, Saturday and Sundays. If a bus route does not travel on Saturday and/or Sunday, this will be noted on its schedule.

Schedules tell you when the bus will pass through a major intersection along the route. First, determine where you want to go and at what time. Then follow the rows of time points from your starting point, to your destination. A symbol near any of your time points may indicate a trip deviation or alternate pattern, so check the notes section of the schedule for an explanation.

Bus Stops

CDTA bus stop signs are clearly marked and display the number of bus route that passes by that location. In general, bus stops are spaced about 1000 feet apart.

Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival. Stand at the bus stop or in the shelter. Do not stand in the roadway or at the edge of the curb. As your bus approaches, raise your hand to signal the bus operator that you want to board.

Identifying Your Bus

Before boarding, check the route name and number displayed on the large overhead destination sign above the windshield of every CDTA bus. The route number and name on the overhead destination sign should be the same as that as shown on the front cover of the bus schedule. The space on the far right-hand side of the destination sign tells you where the bus is going. A sign over the passenger-side window tells you the direction the bus is traveling on that route. If you are not sure if you are getting on the right bus, ask your bus operator.

Boarding and Exiting the Bus

Please allow departing customers to exit before you board. We ask that customers try to exit through the rear door to speed the boarding process.

Always use the hand rails for support when you enter or exit the bus. The steps can get slippery when wet. Use extra caution when traveling with young children.

Please have your payment ready BEFORE you board the bus. If paying cash, have the fare ready in the exact amount. After paying the fare, find a seat and make yourself comfortable.

Seats at the front of the bus are reserved for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Please relinquish these seats if they are needed. If all seats are occupied, move to the back of the bus to allow additional customers to board. Your safety is important to us. If you are standing, please hold on to the poles or the hand straps. Please hold small children securely when the bus is moving.

Upcoming stops are shown on a visual display at the front of the bus and there is an automated announcement. Signal your stop by pulling the cord above the window or pressing the yellow strip between the windows. The bus will stop at the next designated bus stop. For safety, do not cross in front of the bus after exiting.

How to Pay CDTA’s simplified fare structure makes it easy for our customers.

FARE TYPE

CURRENT FARE

Base Fare

$1.50 - U.S. coins and $1-dollar bills are accepted

Suburban Shuttle System

$1.50

BusPlus

$2.00

Senior/Disabled/Veterans Half Fare

$0.75 (All the time)

Children

Children 46” and under ride free when accompanied by a fare paying adult. The limit is three children per adult.

Navigator

Pay As You Go - Costs just $1.30 for the first three rides, while the fourth and up are free for the rest of the transit day.

Navigator Frequent Rider

Frequent Rider monthly passes are valid for unlimited access to CDTA's regular route network for 31 days from the first day of use, just like the 31-Day Rolling Swiper. The Frequent Rider monthly pass will cost the same $65.00

STAR service

$2.50

Putting Money in the Fare Box

All CDTA buses are equipped with electronic fare boxes that automatically count and process fares. The fare box “beeps” after the correct fare has been deposited. Fareboxes accept coins and dollar bills. The coin slot and dollar bill receiver are clearly marked on the top of the fare box. Dollar bills must be unfolded and inserted flat into the bill receiver. The fareboxes do not make change. If you are not sure how to deposit the fare, ask your bus operator for help.

Fare products can be purchased at selected Price Chopper and Hannaford supermarkets, area bank branches and at CDTA sales office. A complete list of locations can be found here.

Rules for Riders

To ensure the safety and comfort of all our riders, we ask that you observe the following rules and guidelines:

NO SMOKING on CDTA buses. It’s a New York State Law.

NO EATING or DRINKING on CDTA buses and please do not litter.

NO PLAYING RADIOS, tape players or other audio equipment while on CDTA buses. Please use headphones at low volume.

NO FIREARMS on any CDTA bus.

NO ANIMALS on CDTA buses unless in a carrier that can fit on your lap or at your feet. Service animals, such as seeing-eye dogs are permitted.

NO VANDALISM or damage to buses or shelters will be tolerated. CDTA will prosecute.

NO GAMBLING on any CDTA bus.

Please be courteous to those riding with you:

Please note that the seats at the front of every CDTA regular route bus are for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Please relinquish these seats if they are needed, or if you are requested to do so by an operator or supervisor. CDTA is committed to providing mobility services to everyone in the Capital Region. We are proud to offer a variety of solutions for those who need assistance or special accommodations. Seniors and those with disabilities pay half-fare to ride regular fixed-route buses.

If standing, please stay behind the yellow line at the front of the bus and hold on to hand rails. If possible, move to the rear of the bus to allow other customers to board.

Baby strollers and grocery carts are allowed on-board, provided they are collapsed and will fit on your lap or at your feet in front of you.

Please keep your hands and arms inside the windows of the bus at all times.

Shopping bags and small boxes are permitted, provided they are small enough to fit on your lap or at your feet in front of you and do not block the aisles.

Riders must wear proper attire, including shoes and a shirt, on-board a CDTA bus.

Safety

Your safety is important to us. Our Code of Conduct is in place to address everyday safety issues. In an emergency, our bus operators can summon police and medical assistance.

If you have a safety concern or see suspicious activity, please tell the bus operator immediately or call the Customer Information Center anonymously at (518) 482-8822. Emergency-exit instructions are displayed inside all CDTA buses.